Unifor members show solidarity for striking B.C. hotel workers

On May 10, dozens of Unifor members from across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland joined striking Local 3000 workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel to rally for a fair contract.

“This employer needs to know that they’ve picked a fight with our entire union,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Hospitality workers at the Sheraton Guildford deserve respect and a fair contract.”

Since the strike began on May 1, major bookings at the hotel have been moved—including an event with Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner—as several organizations choose to respect the Unifor Local 3000 picket line.

Activists from several other unions walked the picket line in a show of solidarity, including members of the International Longshore Workers’ Union, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and the Amalgamated Transit Union.

“The support we’ve received from other unions has been encouraging,” said Jean Van Vliet, Unifor Local 3000 President. “With the support of the national union, the community, and our labour movement partners, our members are going to last one day longer than the greedy employer.”

Unifor represents 120 workers in all areas of the Sheraton hotel including guest services, the lounge, banquets, kitchen, laundry, room attendants, and maintenance. Across the country Unifor represents 19,000 hospitality and gaming workers.